Koala Rescue

The Australian megafire of summer 2019/2020 burnt millions of hectares and killed billions of insects and animals – but one iconic Australian animal became its deadly symbol. Koalas were trapped in the flames – unable to escape, unable to outrun. Koala Rescue profiles the courage and determination of everyday Australians who went out of their way to rescue, treat and rehabilitate the koalas who survived.

Koala Rescue

1 x 60′
1 x 90′

The Australian megafire of summer 2019/2020 burnt millions of hectares and killed billions of insects and animals – but one iconic Australian animal became its deadly symbol. Koalas were trapped in the flames – unable to escape, unable to outrun. Koala Rescue profiles the courage and determination of everyday Australians who went out of their way to rescue, treat and rehabilitate the koalas who survived.

Using social media footage shot during the fires, and interviews with the everyday heroes who realised they had to act, Koala Rescue pieces together the stories of the incredible fire that engulfed communities across Australia, the destructive power unleashed by the fires, and the helplessness of the tree dwelling koalas. Terrible pictures of burnt and dying koalas were broadcast around the world, and if not for the work of volunteers to head out into the flames and pull the animals from the path of the fires, many thousands more may have been killed.

As it stands – it is estimated the single fire event of summer 2019/2020 has moved koalas from threatened to endangered. The event has been likened to a giant natural wake up call to the entire world that climate change is having a direct impact on Australia’s bush and its animals.

Koala Rescue focuses on the rescuers at 4 key fire fronts that affected the Australian icon – Kangaroo Island off the South Australian Coast, The Snowy Mountains fires south of Australia’s capital Canberra, The Blue Mountains west of Sydney, and Port Macquarie, north of Sydney. We meet rescuers and carers from all over the world who heeded the call to come and help. Their stories are heroic, heartbreaking, and inspiring.

Profits from International sales of Koala Rescue will go directly to the Royal Fire Service.

Production Credits

Narrated by Brooke Satchwell

Directed by Max Uechtritz

Executive Producer
David Alrich, Brendan Dahill

An EQ Media production 

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